Synonyms

Definition

Bending is a forming process in which a blank is locally formed along a bending line as result of applying a bending moment. Starting from a flat blank, complex 3D parts can thus be formed, composed of flat flanges and semi-cylindrical bend connections. Below 15 mm thickness the process is known as sheet metal bending, while for blanks above 15 mm plate bending is the more common terminology.

Theory and Application

Bending Methods

Different methods can be applied to impose a bending moment on a sheet metal blank (Lange
1985). The most common techniques consist of positioning the sheet to be formed with the bend line coinciding with the centre line of a V-die and pressing a punch tool in the orthogonal direction (Fig.
1 right). The force exerted during this operation is typically delivered by a press brake (Fig.
1left). Two main variants of this method can be distinguished. When the sheet is formed by imposing forces...